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We hope your weekend was wonderful. We’ve been busy ourselves. Lots of family stuff, friends, trips and the ever popular, chores. With Spring in full bloom, we’ve been cleaning out, organizing and giving away ‘stuff’ that we no longer need. What about you? Have you been bit with the spring bug to purge, clean and organize?

Well, with all that said, we wanted to share another few poems from Marilyn. These are fun, and reveal a deepness in her that few knew. Enjoy!!

Don’t cry my doll

Don’t cry

I hold you and rock you to sleep

Hush hush

I’m pretending now

I’m not your mother who died.

Life-

I am of both your directions

Existing more with the cold frost

Strong as a cobweb in the wind

Hanging downward the most

Somehow remaining

those beaded rays have the colours

I’ve seen in paintings-ah life

they have cheated you

thinner than a cobweb’s thread

sheerer than any-

but it did attach itself

and held fast in strong winds

and singed by the leaping hot fires

life-of which at singular times

I am both of your directions-

somehow I remain hanging downward

the most

as both of your directions pull me.

It’s amazing to us how much sadness was in this woman who was so ‘loved’ by the public. It goes to show that we really don’t know the people around us, even the people we are closest too. So, for this next week, take time. Take time to notice the ‘Marilyn’s’ in your life and show them kindness and tell them how much you appreciate and love them.

Starry-eyed as a teen, Norma Jeane Dougherty dreamed of fame when she bleached her brunette hair blonde and signed with L.A.’s Blue Book Modeling Agency in 1945. After appearing on dozens of magazine covers (including the first ever edition of Play Boy) she attracted the attention of 20th Century Fox executive Ben Lyon, who arranged a screen shot and declared: “It’s Jean Harlow all over again.” Soon she was lighting up the big screen. She adopted her mother’s maiden name, Monroe, and changed her first name to Marilyn to sound sexier. Finally, a star was born.

Let’s take a look at some of the great films she was in:

1949

Love Happy – You may not know this, but Groucho Marx had a hand in launching Marilyn Monroe’s film career. It is said that he chose Marilyn to appear alongside him after being wowed by her sexy walk at a casting call.

1950

All About Eve – Poor Marilyn! Being new to film, a fearsome Bette Davis made a nervous Marilyn vomit with her onset rants.

Right Cross – Marilyn played her part well as a seductress.

The Asphalt Jungle – As a young actress, Marilyn earned herself plaudits for her role as the girlfriend of a crooked lawyer.

1951

Home Town Story – Marilyn played a sexy office secretary in this tale of small town politics.

As Young As You Feel – Playing a curvaceous secretary, Marilyn is propositioned by her married boss.

Love Nest – In this film, Marilyn is a seductive ex-WAC who became the “other woman,” in one of her funniest early films.

1952

We’re Not Married – A star-studded cast included Ginger Rogers and Zsa Zsa Gabor, but Marilyn was coming into her prime in this film. She stole the show in a skimpy swimsuit when she won a “Mrs. Mississippi” contest.

Monkey Business – Marilyn sizzled on-screen, but Cary Grant later said of his co-star: “She seemed very shy, and I remember that when the studio workers would whistle at her, it seemed to embarrass her.”

Clash By Night – Shy off stage maybe, but cuddling with her co-star Keith Andes, Marilyn turned on all her sexy charms in this flick, prompting “The New York Post” to describe her as “a real acting threat to the season’s blondes.”

Don’t Bother To Knock – In a rare opportunity to shed her ditzy image, Marilyn played a mentally unbalanced baby sitter in this disturbing thriller.

1953

Monroe as Pola, Grable as Loco, and Bacall as Schatze

How to Marry a Millionaire – Before filming the first movie ever shot in CinemaScope widescreen, Marilyn was so worried about looking fat alongside co-stars Betty Grable and Lauren Becall, she was desperate to lose weight.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes – Marilyn only got this choice role alongside Jane Russell, because the studios first choice, Betty Grable, was too expensive. While she sang most of “Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend,” a pro singer’s voice was dubbed in for the high notes.

1954

River of No Return – Marilyn really hated this film. She described it as a “Z cowboy movie in which the acting finished third to the scenery and the CinemaScope.” Still, the movie was a standout for Marilyn’s hair extensions and showgirl outfits.

There’s No Business Like Show Business – Marilyn is said to have lamented that she felt her baby-faced co-star, Donald O’Connor. looked to young to be her leading man even though he was a year older than she. Lacking chemistry between them, she had been reluctant to do the movie, but was promised the starring role in “The Seven Year Itch” if she did.

1955

The Seven Year Itch – Oh, the drama created by this film in her own marriage to Joe DiMaggio. Her revealing outfits and sizzling performance drove her hubby wild with jealousy – especially when he turned up on set and caught crew members leering at her. The pose that made Marilyn famous over the NYC grate is what made Joe seethe as the scene was filmed over and over again.

1956

Bus Stop – In this film, Marilyn’s skin was deliberately chalked to make her features even more delicate. She is said to have been heartbroken when she wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for her performance.

1957

The Prince and The Showgirl – Marilyn went to England to film alongside legendary actor Laurence Olivier. Away from the set, she caused quite a stir when she wore a plunging neckline to meet the queen.
A little known note: The production of this film served as the backdrop for the 2011 film “My Week with Marilyn.”

1959

Some Like It Hot – Tony Curtis claimed he got Marilyn pregnant while filming. Tragically, Marilyn who was married to Arthur Miller at the time, miscarried after filming ended. Miller is said to have known about it and asked Tony to leave them alone, promising to never see Marilyn again.

1960

Let’s Make Love – A pole-dancing Marilyn got up close and personal with co-star Yves Montand while filming. This prompted his actress wife Simone Signoret to declare: “It shows she has good taste.”

1961

The Misfits – Marilyn’s marriage to Arthur Miller broke down as she filmed with the man she fantasized about being her father, Clark Gable. She suffered a breakdown during the shoot of what was to be her last completed film.

1962

Something’s Got To Give – This was her last film, and sadly, she didn’t live long enough to finish it. The legend skinny-dipped for this film, and the still shots of her on the side of the pool have circled the globe at least a thousand times.

Thanks for reminiscing with us and enjoying all over again the magic that Marilyn Monroe created when she was on film.

Over the years, many woman have wished they were Marilyn Monroe. K.R. and I have a saying, “All women want to be her and all men want to be with her.” There are few who could argue with this. Leaving the tragic parts of her life out, and only focusing on the beautiful, sexy persona of Marilyn Monroe, most people across the globe would agree.

There have been a few lucky stars who have had the honor of portraying Marilyn on the big screen. Others have been transformed in likeness for a few hours for a photo shoot. Some actresses have admitted that they channel Marilyn when modeling or appearing at award ceremonies exclaiming the boost in confidence that it gives them. Well, who can blame them? We all like to play dress up and who better than Marilyn Monroe? It’s somehow very freeing when we are that other person.

So, as a tribute to the star herself (because copying someone is the strongest form of flattery), we wanted to share with you some of the beautiful ladies who have played the most coveted of all roles, if even for an afternoon, Marilyn Monroe.

~~ 2011 – Michelle Williams earned a Best Actress nomination for her portrayal of her in “My Week With Marilyn.”

Marilyn will forever be many a woman’s muse. She, even after fifty years since her death, remains the most recognized woman in the world. She certainly was a force to be reckoned with and, even today, that force remains in full effect. For a neglected and abused child, a miracle she even survived, Marilyn has inspired many to live a life among the stars. For according to her, “everyone’s a star and deserves the right to twinkle.”

TODAY, yes today is the kick off the Marilyn Monroe’s 50th Anniversary Celebration! Starting today we’re hosting a contest for the entire month of August.

Along with cake (what’s a celebration without cake?????)

There will be tons of ‘What She Knew’ Signature Prizes and giveaways!

Today’s opportunity through Sunday, that’s August 1-5, leave a comment below with your favorite quote and you’ll be entered into the giveaway drawing. No purchase necessary for this one!

Also when you buy a book, in any form, and send us a screen shot of the receipt, we’ll enter you for a prize. You’ll love it! These prizes will make great Christmas gifts if you already have a copy of the book for yourself. Just email it to whatsheknew@gmail.com.

Watch for postings and participate via Facebook, Twitter and right here on our blog. We are so excited!! As if you couldn’t tell!!

We will be partnering with two of Marilyn’s favorite charities: St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and March of Dimes. Each charity will receive a portion of all the proceeds we make on book sales for the whole month of August. We have TV and radio interviews scheduled so be sure and tune in! And, we are hosting book signings in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

Don’t worry, we will keep you all informed on the exact dates and times for all of the above.

Some of the What She Knew Signature Prizes are:

~ Marilyn inspired gift sets (pink purses and goodies) and What She Knew book bags ~

~ What She Knew bookmarks ~

~ What She Knew signature pens ~

Just to name a few!!

The grand prize (to be announced) will include an hour of face time with us via Skype plus a collectors edition of “What She Knew” signed and no longer available to the public. You’ll get to ask us questions and we’ll answer about anything writing related. All you need to do, is purchase a book (any format) and email us a screen copy of your receipt! That’s all, easy peasy!

As a bonus, if you order a paperback book you will receive two entry’s and if you order a hardback book you will receive three entry’s. For eReader books, you will receive one entry per purchase. Remember, these make nice gifts and the more you order, the more entry’s you will have!!

Where to get the book?

For the month of August, if you order the book at Gator Creek Entertainment ~ www.gcaentertainment.com ~ (our managing company) you will be able to buy the paperback and/or the hardback at 25% off!! It’s a win/win!! You receive great savings and the two charity’s receive great donations!!

Just tell us what your favorite Marilyn quote is! That’s all, you can comment below. We will host your quote on our website and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win a What She Knew Signature Prize!! So come and celebrate the life of Marilyn Monroe with us! After all, every women wants to be her and every man wants to be with her. She has been and continues to be THE most loved icon ever.

In 1953, she asked the owner of the Mocambo (club) to allow Ella Fitzgerald to sing there. In return for taking this leap of faith, Marilyn promised that she would be there every night in the front row. At this time, Marilyn was coming into her own as a famous star and carried a lot of clout. Even thought he was head over heals about Marilyn (like everyone else), and after some convincing on her part, he said yes. Here are Ella’s own words about this incredible event:
“I owe Marilyn Monroe a real debt…it was because of her that I played the Mocambo, a very popular nightclub in the ’50s. She personally called the owner of the Mocambo, and told him she wanted me booked immediately, and if he would do it, she would take a front table every night. She told him – and it was true, due to Marilyn’s superstar status – that the press would go wild. The owner said yes, and Marilyn was there, front table, every night. The press went overboard. After that, I never had to play a small jazz club again. She was an unusual woman – a little ahead of her time. And she didn’t know it.” – Ella Fitzgerald

This is a wonderful story about how one person took her sphere of influence and did something good with it. She didn’t just use it for her own gain, she used it to aide someone else. What Marilyn did, really helped start the revolution towards equal rights for all men, regardless of color. And whether you realize it or not, we are all like Marilyn in one way, we are all ‘famous.’ We all have areas in our life that we are very influential. Think on this: What is your pull? Where are you considered a star?

Our challenge to you is this: what can you do today that will positively affect someone elses journey? It may never end up on the front page for the whole world to read, but it can end up on the front page of your life and thereby inspire the next generation to do likewise. We would love it if you would share your thoughts with us.

For today, we thought we would share an older book trailer that we made several years ago for “What She Knew.” Though MasterKoda has made us our latest one, and it totally rocks the literary world, we just can’t give up our other one. It will always hold a special place in our hearts. So, for posterity’s sake, we share it with you today. For us and the world, Marilyn will remain immortal, kept alive by the many pictures of her in stills and movies.

Thanks for walking down memory lane with us. You can always see the MasterKoda LitFlix here on our blog page, on the right hand side, under BLOGROLL. Like we said, it is FANTASTIC!! It really takes the reader on a journey of suspense and mystery. Makes you wonder what did she know and did it possibly have something to do with her death. Check it out today and ‘like’ it on Youtube please!